This building is significant for its association with the early history
of the University of Wisconsin. It exemplifies the castellated medieval
fortress variation of the Romanesque Revival style, and is unique for
its combination of the armory and gymnasium building types. It is also
significant for its association with historical political events, as the
site of the 1904 Wisconsin Republican Convention, a seminal event in
the history of the Progressive Movement. One of the most visually
prominent buildings on campus, it features stepped gables, and towers
with crenellated battlements.

Designated September 18, 2007
Madison Landmarks Commission

The marker is inside the entrance to the Armory & Gymnasium, located on westbound Langdon Street, west of its intersection with North Lake Street, at 716 Langdon Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.

NOTE: Driving around and parking at
the UW-Madison campus can be harrowing. Be sure to check the Google
Map (above) and campus maps (below) before heading out.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 4, 1993):This was the site of the 1904 Wisconsin Republican
Convention, a seminal event in the history of the Progressive Movement.
At this convention, Robert M. La Follette's Progressives defeated the
Stalwarts for control of the Wisconsin Republican Party. Widespread
favorable publicity launched La Follette on the national scene. The
controversy and legal suit engendered by the "Gymnasium Convention" and
La Follette's subsequent vindication by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin
led the Progressives to victory that November, giving them a majority in
the state legislature the following year. This allowed the enactment
of substantial reforms, many of which were subsequently adopted by many
states across the Nation.

The University of Wisconsin Armory and Gymnasium,
also called "the Red Gym," is one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings on the
UW-Madison campus; the building houses many student services offices, including
International Student Services.

The Red Gym was originally used as a combination gymnasium and armory
beginning in 1894. Designed in the Romanesque revival style, it
resembles a red brick castle. It is situated on the shores of Lake
Mendota, overlooking Library Mall, and adjacent to Memorial Union.

This website endorsed by: Door County Coastal Byway

Comments from Visitors

Thank you so much for visiting, documenting, photographing and sharing our historic markers! This is truly an honor and it is much appreciated. Jim SchuhChippewa County Historical Society

I just discovered your site and have been using it in my fourth grade summer school class in Viroqua, WI. We learned about Wisconsin throughout the year and are spending some time during summer school reading and talking about the history of Viroqua. We plan to take a walking trip to the Pioneer Cemetery and Lucy Stone marker. Thank you for all of your information!Kimberly (Brye) Cade

Hi, I really love your historic marker site a lot, I write a travel blog and I get pictures of these markers to assist in my writing about each town. I went to the Dean House in January for their monthly tour. Here is a link.

Very nice blog post. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!AnonymousThank you for posting this! I am Russ & Grace's grand-daughter & very happy they helped preserve this little slice of Soo Line history for future generations! Awesome website. Thanks for your work!Lillian Ferrall

Thanks for writing about your experiences! This is such a unique and wonderful way to share the history of our wonderful Wisconsin!tessalynn